Young advisors have been praised for their community achievements at a national awards event.

The Young Advisors charity has officially recognised the achievements of the Waltham Forest Young Advisors & Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG) at their annual awards ceremony.

The groups were recognised for their work surveying young people in A&E about their experience of urgent care for Healthwatch Waltham Forest and volunteer work to help put on the Chingford Big Weekender.

Karishma Mohammed, from Leyton, who helped set up the Young Advisors group in 2007 when she was 13 years old, was named Young Advisor of the Year.

Ms Mohammed said she was honoured and surprised to receive the award.

“Although it was an individual award, my achievements would not have been possible without the great support from my team, working together to make sure our young voices are valued and respected.”

Cabinet member for young people Cllr Mark Rusling said the groups were a credit to their communities.

He said: “What really stands out about the members of both groups is that they come from all walks of life and backgrounds.

“There are ex-offenders who have turned their lives around; determined young people who have grown up in care; school, college and university students with ambitions of greatness; and driven young parents – together they are giving all young people in Waltham Forest a voice.”